Centre for Cosmetic, Laser and Implant Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

Same-Day Ceramic Restorations

Modern, Single-Visit Restorative Dentistry

Restoring a fractured or decayed tooth should never mean compromising your time, comfort or aesthetics. Traditional crowns often meant multiple visits, uncomfortable putty impressions, temporary crowns that could come loose, and weeks of waiting.

With in-house CAD/CAM technology, we can design, mill and place custom, high-strength ceramic crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers in a single appointment, so you can walk out with a fully restored, natural-looking smile in just a few hours.

Natural-looking tooth-coloured ceramic restorations on back teeth
25+Years dental experience
  • 1 visitDesign, mill & fit
  • 1–2 hoursTypical appointment
  • Metal-freeBiocompatible ceramic
  • 10+ yearsTypical lifespan with care

The Dental Excellence Difference

Technology is only as good as the expertise behind it. We combine craftsmanship with digital innovation for aesthetics, durability and functional harmony.

  • 01

    Single-Visit Convenience

    No multi-week turnarounds, repeat numbing or fragile temporary crowns.

  • 02

    Precise Digital Accuracy

    High-definition 3D optical scanning captures fine detail for a precise fit that protects your natural enamel.

  • 03

    Biocompatible & Metal-Free

    High-grade ceramics that mimic the strength and optical properties of natural enamel.

What Are CAD/CAM Milled Restorations?

Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) lets us create precise, custom restorations right in the clinic.

Instead of physical impressions sent to an off-site laboratory, an intraoral camera creates a 3D digital model of your tooth. We design your restoration with exact margins and contours, and our in-house milling unit crafts it from a solid, tooth-coloured ceramic block in minutes.

  • Inlays

    Fit precisely within the cusps of the chewing surface of back teeth.

  • Onlays (partial crowns)

    Cover one or more cusps, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. A conservative alternative when damage is too large for a filling but doesn’t need a full crown.

  • Ceramic crowns

    Full-coverage restorations for broken or heavily restored teeth.

  • Ceramic veneers

    Custom shells bonded to the front of teeth to correct discolouration, minor misalignment, chips or gaps.

A dentist operating the in-house ceramic milling machine

Same-Day Ceramic vs Traditional Crowns

Feature
Same-Day Ceramic at Dental Excellence
Traditional Crowns
Appointments
1 convenient visit
2 to 3 visits over several weeks
Impressions
Digital 3D optical scan
Messy, uncomfortable putty trays
Temporary crowns
Not needed
Worn for 2–3 weeks (can be sensitive or loose)
Material
High-strength, metal-free ceramic
Variable; often a metal substructure
Fit & precision
Computer-designed margins
Relies on manual lab transfers
Aesthetics
Natural translucency that matches enamel
Can show dark metal lines near the gum

The Same-Day Treatment Process

  1. 1

    Evaluation & Preparation

    We confirm a ceramic restoration suits you, then gently prepare the tooth under local anaesthetic, preserving as much natural structure as possible.

  2. 2

    3D Digital Scan

    A small optical camera captures an accurate 3D model in seconds, with no gagging or impression trays.

  3. 3

    Virtual Design

    Your clinician designs the restoration around your bite, neighbouring teeth and shade.

  4. 4

    In-Clinic Milling

    A ceramic block matched to your shade is milled in about 10–15 minutes, then polished, glazed and fired.

  5. 5

    Bonding & Reveal

    We check your bite and bond the restoration permanently, so you leave the same day with a complete smile.

Caring for Your Ceramic Restorations

Your new restoration is bonded before you leave, so you can eat, drink and speak normally almost immediately.

  • Great Oral Hygiene

    Brush twice daily with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and floss around the restored tooth.

  • Protect Against Grinding

    If you clench or grind at night, a custom nightguard protects your teeth and restorations.

  • Avoid Hard Objects

    Don’t bite ice, pen caps or fingernails, which can chip natural teeth and ceramics.

  • Regular Check-ups

    Routine cleans and exams let us monitor your restoration and overall oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book an appointment

Are same-day ceramic crowns as strong as lab-made crowns?

Yes. Clinical research shows milled ceramic restorations are as strong and durable as traditional lab-made porcelain crowns, routinely lasting 10 years or longer with proper care.

How long does the appointment take?

Usually 1 to 2 hours. While your crown is milled (about 15–30 minutes), you can relax in the chair with a drink or some TV.

Does it hurt?

The preparation is carried out under local anaesthetic. Without putty impressions or temporary crowns, which are common sources of sensitivity, the process is far more comfortable than traditional methods.

Are ceramic restorations metal-free?

Yes. They are biocompatible and completely metal-free, an excellent option for people with metal allergies.

What does a same-day crown cost?

About the same as a traditional lab-made ceramic crown, and you save on extra visits and temporary crowns. We provide transparent estimates and flexible payment options.

Book your consultation

Interested in same-day ceramic restorations?

Book an appointment with our experienced team today. Start with a comprehensive new patient exam, and we’ll talk you through whether same-day ceramic restorations could be right for you.

Product Partners

Philips Zoom whiteningLANAP laser gum treatmentOrmco orthodontics

All Health Funds Welcome

HCFnib

Payment Options

ZipAfterpayDentiCare
Book now

Book an Appointment

Which clinic would you like to visit?

Choose a clinic to see live availability and book online through HealthEngine.

Adelaide CBD

Level 3, Suite 302, 147 Pirie St, Adelaide SA 5000

Weekday appointments, Monday to Friday.

Book online Call (08) 8423 1091

Kensington

292 The Parade, Kensington SA 5068

Evening and Saturday morning appointments.

Book online Call (08) 8332 2800

Not sure which suits you? Call (08) 8423 1091 and our team will help.